Antibiogram of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis amongst Pharmacy Undergraduates in a Nigerian University
Angus N. Oli
Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Chiamaka B. Ugwu
Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Eunice O. Osuala
Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria
Charlotte Blanche Oguejiofor
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria
George Uchenna Eleje *
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria
Felix N. Osuala
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria
Malachy C. Ugwu
Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objectives: To assess the knowledge, perception, incidence and the antibiogram of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).
Methods: Validated questionnaires were used to collect demographic information of consenting study participants and to test the participants’ level of knowledge and perception of VVC among pharmacy undergraduates. High-vaginal swab specimens were also collected for isolation of Candida species and speciation using standard yeast identification protocol and CHROMagar respectively.
Results: Among the 160 participants, yeasts were detected in 43.75% and 27.50% by culture and direct microscopy respectively. Having multiple sexual partners (at least two), poor vaginal hygiene and antibiotic usage were shown to significantly increase the incidence of VVC (p<0.05). Yeasts other than Candida albicans were predominant (66.67%), especially Candida tropicalis (40.00%). Although participants’ knowledge about VVC was good (80.49%), their perception was only average (54.10%). Susceptibility test showed that the isolates were susceptible to voriconazole (84.37 ± 5.70%), fluconazole (71.54 ± 7.66%) and nystatin (65.70 ± 12.33%). The commonest isolate (Candida tropicalis) was farely susceptible to voriconazole (77.00%) and fluconazole (63.00%) but resistant to nystatin (36.00%).
Conclusion: There is high prevalence of VVC despite good knowledge and average perception. Candida tropicalis was predominant in the study. Based on antibiogram, Voriconazole was the most effective drug/antibiotic and drug of choice for therapy.
Keywords: Vulvovaginal candidiasis, knowledge and perceptionx, asymptomatic mycosis, drug resistance